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Food Manufacturing Research And Development Specialist

  • Full Time, onsite
  • Kabobs, Inc.
  • Atlanta Metropolitan Area, United States of America
Salary undisclosed

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Job Summary

The R&D/QC Analyst is responsible for supporting research and development initiatives, improving product formulations, and ensuring compliance with food safety and quality standards. This role involves conducting ingredient and product testing, leading production training, analyzing data, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive innovation in food manufacturing. Additionally, the role includes direct supervisory responsibilities within Quality Control (QC) and indirect oversight of Research & Development (R&D) projects.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Training & Production Support:

  • Train production staff on new products, assembly techniques, and production methods.
  • Assist in product reviews and improvements, including learning new folds, mixes, and procedures.
  • Work closely with production teams to scale up and validate formulations for commercial production.

Product Testing & Quality Control:

  • Conduct organoleptic inspections (taste, texture, appearance) and product evaluations.
  • Perform product audits, including weight, size, shape, color, and viscosity assessments.
  • Monitor product quality on the production floor, identifying areas for improvement.
  • Test quality control samples to ensure consistency and compliance with specifications.
  • Make informed decisions on product hold and notify QA when necessary.
  • Complete and maintain documentation for all quality control activities.
  • Review daily QC and production paperwork for accuracy and compliance.
  • Assist in training new quality technicians and preparing for audits.

R&D and Product Development:

  • Assist in formulating and testing new food products to meet customer and market demands.
  • Conduct laboratory and pilot plant trials to assess ingredient functionality and processing feasibility.
  • Research and evaluate new raw materials and ingredient suppliers.
  • Optimize existing formulations to enhance product quality, cost efficiency, and processing performance.
  • Participate in customer presentations and address technical inquiries.
  • Provide troubleshooting support for production issues related to formulation or process improvements.
  • Actively participate in New Product Launch (NPL) ideation sessions.

Documentation & Reporting:

  • Maintain and update spreadsheets for PPV testing, audit lists, cooking instructions, NPL, and PIR records as part of the R&D Matrix.
  • Keep detailed records of test results, formulations, and process modifications.
  • Provide analytical reports and recommendations based on product testing and data analysis.
  • Collaborate with QA to complete waste reports as needed.

Facility & Sample Management:

  • Ensure kitchen stations, storage areas, coolers, freezers, and the R&D cage are clean and organized.
  • Prepare samples of stock items using new ingredients for comparative testing.
  • Develop and document compelling recipe cards for costing by food scientists.
  • Create menu items for group product cuttings and evaluations.

Compliance & Safety:

  • Enforce all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and food safety regulations.
  • Ensure all employees, including management, adhere to site safety and health policies.
  • Assist in audit preparation and compliance activities.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position involves indirect supervisory responsibilities:

  • Indirect Supervision: Provide guidance and support to R&D team depending on project needs.

Qualifications & Skills

Education & Experience:

  • Required: Bachelor’s degree in food science, Chemistry, Biology, or a related field.
  • Preferred: 1-3 years of experience in food product development, R&D, or quality assurance in a food manufacturing setting.